Smith Trace Helmet Review

The Smith Trace helmet is a lightweight, well vented helmet that is all about versatility. Loaded with safety features to keep your head safe as well as air vents to keep you cool. The Trace is ready to be worn for your long days on the bike, or the commute through town. Lets dive into our Smith Trace Helmet review.

The Smith Trace is outfitted with MIPS Brain Protection System that reduces the forces caused by angled impacts to the head. Additionally, the Trace also has complete KOROYD coverage for lightweight, energy-absorbing and ventilated impact protection. In addition to this, the Trace has an integrated skeletal structure creates a roll cage for added strength and impact protection. With all these safety features, the Trace meets CPSC and CEN EN 1078 certification.

For fit and integration, the Trace helmet has a VaporFit dial adjustment system on the rear which offers 270-degree fit adjustment. Like all other Smith Helmets, they are designed to be integrated with Smith Eyewear for maximum comfort, venting and storage convenience. To help keep the lens fog free, the Trace uses and AirEvac ventilation system that pairs perfectly with Smith Eyewear.

In addition to all the above features, the Trace has a few more thrown in there. The helmet has 18 fix vents for constant airflow along with Ionic+ antimicrobial lining for sweat-activated odor control. Lastly, the helmet (in size medium) with MIPS, comes in weighing only 10oz/280 grams.

When first receiving the Smith Trace helmet, I was surprised at the weight right away. Coming in at 10 oz, it is definitely on the lighter side of helmets we have reviewed. Along with the weight of the helmet, the finish is very nice. Having the glossy mixed with matte gives a nice contrast to the helmets appearance, even in the dark color.

In addition to enjoying the good looks of the helmet, the Trace fits my head shape very well. I’ve had experience wearing the Smith Dispatch over the summer so knew the fit would not be an issue. It was very easy to get the helmet nice and snug using the VaporFit dial adjustment system on the back. Following that, it is simple to adjust the chin strap to the correct position to get that fitting comfortably. Some helmets have a pretty tight triangle section around the ears, but the Trace had plenty of space and didn’t touch my ears at all.

I put in some long days wearing the Trace, and didn’t have any discomfort wearing it. At initial glance it looks like the Koroyd would restrict some airflow, but the honeycomb pattern lets all the air flow in.  At first I was testing this helmet with a different pair of sunglasses and it vented well. However, it wasn’t until I paired the helmet with some Smith Wildcat glasses that I really benefited from the AirEvac system. Additionally, the channel cut outs to hold the glasses in place on top of the helmet works flawlessy for when you need somewhere to store your sunglasses.

There wasn’t really anything of note that I didn’t like about the Smith Trace helmet. It is lightweight, good looking, and comfortable. The only thing I noticed that came to mind is that it has a traditional buckle. I got used to wearing the Dispatch with the Fidlock system, and that is so easy that I got spoiled. The Trace isn’t a type of helmet that would need to be taken on and off often like other computer focused helmets. Without a doubt, I would recommend the Smith Trace helmet for those looking for a comfortable, safe helmet to wear on those long rides.

Price: $250(some colors on sale from $175)
Sizing: S, M, L
Colors: 10 to choose from, review is Black Matte-Cement
Website: www.SmithOptics.com